1798.

This year, in consequence of the death of Mr. Green,[286] who had been drawing-master to Christ’s Hospital, I stood candidate for the situation; and, though I was unsuccessful, my testimonials being so flattering, I cannot withstand the temptation of printing them, whatever may be said by my enemies, who may not be able to produce anything half so honourable.

“May 10th, 1798.

“We whose names are subscribed, having seen specimens of drawings by John Thomas Smith, are of opinion that he is qualified for the office of drawing-master in the school of Christ’s Hospital.

I not only think him qualified as an artist, but greatly to be respected as a man.

Benjamin West, Prest. R.A.

Being not personally acquainted with Mr. J. T. Smith, I have examined his performances, and I think him well qualified for the above office.

J. F. Rigaud, R.A.

I have known him from a child, and think him an honest man and well qualified for the office.

Joseph Nollekens, R.A.

I have long been acquainted with Mr. J. T. Smith’s merits as a good artist and a worthy man.

John Flaxman, Jun., Sculptor, Associate R.A.;
R.A. of Florence and Carrara.

We subscribe to the above opinion.—

W. Beechey, R.A. elect.
W. Hamilton, R.A.
Thomas Stothard, R.A.
John Russell, R.A.
J. Bacon, R.A.
T. Banks, R.A.
James Barry, R.A., Professor of Painting.
John Opie, R.A.
R. Cosway, R.A.
James Northcote, R.A.
Jos. Farington, R.A.
Richard Westall, R.A.
Henry Fuseli, R.A.
H. Copley, R.A.

I have long known Mr. Smith as an artist and respectable man, and believe him to be perfectly capable of filling the office he solicits with honour.

P. Reinagle, A.

We subscribe to the above opinion.

Francis Bartolozzi, R.A.
Richard Collins.
Caleb Whitefoord.

We have known Mr. Smith for upwards of fourteen years, and we have found him an able drawing-master to our daughter, whose drawings he has never touched upon; a practice too often followed by drawing-masters in general: and we believe him to be a truly valuable member of society, as a husband, father, and good man.

James Winter Lake.
Jessy Lake.

We can never subscribe our names with greater satisfaction, than in signifying the very high opinion we have of Mr. Smith, both as to his talents and character.

James Lake.
Atwill Lake.

I fully subscribe to the above opinion,

Richard Wyatt, Milton Place.

I believe Mr. Smith to be a very deserving man, and well qualified for the situation he is ambitious of obtaining.

John Charles Crowle.

Thomas Allen has a great respect for Mr. Smith, both as a man and an artist.

Joseph Williamson, A.M., Vicar of St. Dunstan in the West.

I am personally acquainted with Mr. J. T. Smith, and esteem him one of the best of men.

John Boydell, Alderman.

I am happy to bear testimony to the character of Mr. Smith as a man, and to find him so highly respected as an artist.

T. Thomson.

I have long known Mr. Smith to be an ingenious artist, an able instructor, and a benevolent and honest man.

John Cranch.

I have known Mr. Smith many years, and believe him very capable of filling the office of drawing-master to Christ’s Hospital with credit to himself and advantage to the charity.

Henry Howard.

J. Swainson.
T. Whittingham.
J. Nixon, Basinghall Street.
Henry Smith, Drapers’ Hall.
Alex. Lean Smyth, the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Arthur Ball, }
John Broome, } Hudson’s Bay House
George Whitehead, Cateaton Street.

Providence, which placed me next door to Mr. J. T. Smith for several years, made me intimately acquainted with a faithful husband, an affectionate father, and an honest man.

Charles Gower, M.D.”

JAMES BARRY, R.A.

“I reflect with horror upon such a fellow as I am, and with such a kind of art, with house-rent to pay and employers to look for.”